Scarlett Johansson has recently revealed she asked Marvel Studios to remove her executive producer credit from their latest film, Thunderbolts.
The blockbuster, which premiered in May, features several characters connected to her Black Widow storyline.
SCARLETT JOHANSSON AND THE ‘THUNDERBOLTS’
In a candid conversation with David Harbour, who stars as Red Guardian in Thunderbolts, Johansson explained her decision.
Harbour congratulated her on being credited as an executive producer and noted her character’s significant presence in the film. ‘
Scarlett Johansson responded, “I asked to have my credit removed because I wasn’t involved”, according to Variety.
Harbour joked if she disliked the film that much, but she quickly dismissed that notion. “No, you’re just wanting that to be the case.” She also expressed pride in the film’s cast and crew.
SCARLETT JOHANSSON AND ‘BLACK WIDOW’
Johansson’s executive producer credit was originally tied to her involvement in Black Widow (2021). Black Widow was a prequel that introduced characters like Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova;
However, since she did not participate in the production of Thunderbolts, she requested her name be taken off the credits, a request Marvel honoured.
According to IMDb, Johansson no longer appears as an executive producer on the film.
Reflecting on her long tenure with Marvel, Johansson shared insights about the challenges of playing the same character for over a decade.
DEDICATION TO A CHARACTER
She said some films allowed her character to shine, like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where she shared great chemistry with Chris Evans.
But in other ensemble-heavy films, Scarlett Johansson felt more like a plot device than a fully realised character.
“If you’re committed to five and a half months of that, it’s like, ‘Okay. I can’t paint my nails, I can’t get a haircut,’” she said.
“Your identity is wrapped up in this job for a long time, and if you’re not doing engaging work as an actor, you feel a little cagey sometimes”.
THE MCU
Johansson also hinted at future creative possibilities, mentioning she might consider directing an MCU film one day.
“There’s a way of maintaining the integrity of human connection, family, disappointment… in a giant universe,” she said. “It could be fun”.
The removal of Scarlett Johansson’s credit from Thunderbolts is a reminder that even the biggest stars can step back when their creative involvement ends.
It also highlights the complex nature of blockbuster filmmaking, where contracts and credits don’t always reflect actual participation.
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